ARRI ALEXA SXT W is a professional Super 35 digital cinema camera built for high-end film, television, commercial and streaming production.
Released in 2017, the camera belongs to ARRI’s ALEXA SXT family, but the “W” in its name is important. It stands for wireless, reflecting the camera’s integrated wireless video transmission, wireless lens control support and Wi-Fi control features.
The ALEXA SXT W was designed for professional sets where reliability, image quality and production efficiency matter. It combines the familiar ALEXA image with stronger on-set connectivity, helping crews reduce external accessories and simplify camera builds.
Although newer ARRI cameras such as the ALEXA 35 and ALEXA Mini LF have since taken the spotlight, the ALEXA SXT W remains an important cinema camera in ARRI’s history. It represents a period when ARRI began integrating more production tools directly into the camera body.
Key Camera Specifications
The ARRI ALEXA SXT W uses a Super 35mm sensor measuring about 28.17 x 18.13 mm. It supports ARRIRAW and ProRes recording, including Open Gate ARRIRAW and ProRes 4K Cine workflows.
| Feature | ARRI ALEXA SXT W |
|---|---|
| Camera type | Super 35 digital cinema camera |
| Release period | October 2017 |
| Sensor format | Super 35mm |
| Sensor size | 28.17 x 18.13 mm |
| Lens mount | PL mount with LDS support |
| Base sensitivity | ISO 800 |
| Main recording formats | ARRIRAW and Apple ProRes |
| Open Gate ARRIRAW | 3424 x 2202 |
| Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine | 4096 x 2636 |
| Wireless features | Wireless video, Wi-Fi, lens control support |
| Body weight | About 6,900 g |
| Dimensions | About 331 mm x 158 mm x 189 mm |
| Best use | Feature films, commercials, drama, studio production |
The camera is not small compared with the ALEXA Mini line, but it was built as a robust production camera for professional crews.
Super 35 Sensor and ARRI Image Quality
The ALEXA SXT W uses ARRI’s proven Super 35 sensor architecture.
Super 35 remains one of the most important formats in cinema history. Many classic and modern cinema lenses were designed around this sensor size, giving cinematographers access to a wide range of optical looks.
The sensor area of the ALEXA SXT W is close to traditional Super 35 cinema framing, making it suitable for PL-mount lens sets, anamorphic workflows and professional studio production.
Why Super 35 Still Matters
Super 35 gives filmmakers a familiar field of view and depth-of-field behaviour.
Many directors and cinematographers still prefer Super 35 because it offers a balanced cinematic look. It is not as shallow as large format, but it still gives strong subject separation and works beautifully with classic cinema lenses.
The ALEXA SXT W benefits from this format by combining established lens compatibility with ARRI colour science and strong dynamic range.
Open Gate ARRIRAW Recording
One of the most important recording options on the ALEXA SXT W is Open Gate ARRIRAW.
Open Gate ARRIRAW records at 3424 x 2202, using a wide sensor area that gives productions flexibility for reframing, visual effects, stabilisation and anamorphic extraction.
ARRIRAW is the best option when productions need maximum image information. It gives colourists more control in post-production and preserves more detail for high-end finishing.
Why ARRIRAW Matters
ARRIRAW is designed for premium productions that need the highest level of grading flexibility.
It is useful for feature films, commercials, visual effects work and projects that require careful colour control. Compared with compressed recording, ARRIRAW gives post-production teams more room to adjust exposure, contrast and colour without damaging the image.
For productions using the ALEXA SXT W, ARRIRAW helps maintain the classic ARRI image through the full post-production pipeline.
ProRes 4K Cine and ProRes Workflows
The ALEXA SXT W also supports ProRes recording, including Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine at 4096 x 2636.
This format allows productions to capture 4K-ready files while staying in a widely supported editing workflow. ProRes is easier to handle than ARRIRAW and is often preferred for television, commercials, documentaries and productions with faster turnaround needs.
The camera supports several ProRes options, including ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422 depending on the recording mode.
ProRes vs ARRIRAW
ARRIRAW offers maximum flexibility but requires more storage and stronger post-production planning.
ProRes offers excellent image quality with easier data management. It is often the better choice when productions want ARRI colour and strong image quality without the heavier workflow of RAW recording.
The ALEXA SXT W gives crews both options, making it useful across different production budgets and delivery demands.
Recording Modes and Formats
The ALEXA SXT W supports a wide range of recording formats for Open Gate, 4:3, 6:5, 16:9 and anamorphic workflows.
| Recording Format | Resolution |
| Open Gate ARRIRAW 3.4K | 3424 x 2202 |
| Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine | 4096 x 2636 |
| Open Gate ProRes 3.4K | 3456 x 2202 |
| 4:3 ARRIRAW 2.8K | 2944 x 2176 |
| 4:3 ProRes 2.8K | 2944 x 2176 |
| 6:5 ARRIRAW 2.6K | 2592 x 2160 |
| 6:5 ProRes 4K Cine Anamorphic | 4096 x 1716 |
| 6:5 ProRes 2K Anamorphic | 2048 x 858 |
| 16:9 ARRIRAW 3.2K | 3168 x 1782 |
| 16:9 ARRIRAW 2.8K | 2880 x 1620 |
| 16:9 ProRes 4K UHD | 3840 x 2160 |
| 16:9 ProRes 3.2K | 3200 x 1824 |
| 16:9 ProRes 2K | 2048 x 1152 |
| 16:9 ProRes HD | 1920 x 1080 |
This range made the ALEXA SXT W flexible for traditional cinema, broadcast, streaming and anamorphic production.
4K Cine Recording Performance
In Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine mode, the ALEXA SXT W can record 4096 x 2636 in a 1.55:1 aspect ratio.
The camera supports high-quality ProRes recording at common production frame rates such as 24p, 25p, 30p and 48p depending on codec choice.
| Resolution | Codec | Frame Rates | Sampling | Bit Depth |
| 4096 x 2636 | ProRes 4444 XQ | Up to 48p | 4:4:4:4 | 12-bit |
| 4096 x 2636 | ProRes 4444 | Up to 48p | 4:4:4:4 | 12-bit |
| 4096 x 2636 | ProRes 422 HQ | Up to 48p | 4:2:2 | 10-bit |
| 4096 x 2636 | ProRes 422 | Up to 48p | 4:2:2 | 10-bit |
This made the camera attractive for productions that needed 4K deliverables without abandoning ARRI’s Super 35 look.
Wireless Production Tools
The biggest difference between the ALEXA SXT W and earlier SXT models is the integrated wireless system.
The camera includes built-in wireless video transmission, Wi-Fi control and compatibility with ARRI’s electronic control system. This helped reduce the need for some external accessories on set.
For professional crews, fewer external boxes can mean cleaner camera builds, faster setup times and more reliable operation.
Why Integrated Wireless Matters
Modern film sets depend on monitors, focus systems, video transmission and remote camera control.
Before integrated wireless systems became common, crews often had to attach several external devices to the camera. This added weight, cables and potential points of failure.
The ALEXA SXT W helped make camera builds cleaner by bringing more of these tools inside the camera ecosystem.
Lens Mount and Lens Compatibility
The ALEXA SXT W uses a PL mount with LDS support.
PL mount is the professional cinema standard and gives access to a huge range of lenses. LDS support allows compatible lenses to communicate metadata to the camera, including focus, iris and zoom information.
This metadata can help with visual effects, post-production, script supervision and camera reports.
Lens Coverage for Open Gate
Because Open Gate uses a larger sensor area than standard 16:9, lens coverage should always be checked.
Some Super 35 lenses may work perfectly in 16:9 but show vignetting or edge softness in Open Gate. Productions planning to shoot Open Gate or anamorphic should test lenses before the shoot.
The ALEXA SXT W is especially suitable for PL cinema lenses, anamorphic lenses and professional Super 35 glass.
Dynamic Range and Colour Science
The ALEXA SXT W is built around ARRI’s classic ALEXA colour science.
ARRI cameras from this generation are widely respected for natural skin tones, smooth highlight roll-off and strong dynamic range. Although the data provided does not include independent dynamic-range testing for this specific listing, ALEXA SXT cameras are generally known for strong highlight handling and more than 14 stops of usable latitude in professional workflows.
The camera uses Log C, giving colourists a flexible image for grading.
Why ARRI Colour Remains Popular
ARRI colour science is one of the reasons ALEXA cameras became industry standards.
The images are not only technically strong. They are easy to grade, flattering on skin and reliable under difficult lighting conditions. This makes the ALEXA SXT W a trusted choice for productions where image quality must remain consistent.
Body Design and Weight
The ALEXA SXT W is a robust studio-style cinema camera.
At about 6.9 kg, it is much heavier than compact cameras such as the ALEXA Mini or ALEXA Mini LF. Its size makes it better suited to tripod, dolly, crane, shoulder, studio and traditional cinema setups.
The camera’s dimensions are about 331 mm x 158 mm x 189 mm, making it a serious professional production body rather than a lightweight run-and-gun camera.
Where the Body Works Best
The ALEXA SXT W is strongest on professional sets with full camera crews.
It works well for feature films, commercials, drama series and controlled productions where the camera is supported by proper rigs, assistants, video village and data-management systems.
For lightweight gimbal or drone work, smaller ARRI models are usually more practical.
Best Uses for the ARRI ALEXA SXT W
The ALEXA SXT W is best suited for productions that need the classic ALEXA Super 35 look with strong on-set wireless features.
It is a strong choice for:
Feature films
Television drama
Commercials
Music videos
Studio shoots
Anamorphic cinematography
High-end branded content
Productions needing ProRes 4K Cine
Crews using ARRI wireless systems
The camera remains useful when productions want proven ARRI image quality and do not need the newer features of the ALEXA 35.
ARRI ALEXA SXT W vs ALEXA 35
The ALEXA SXT W and ALEXA 35 are both Super 35 cinema cameras, but they come from different generations.
The ALEXA SXT W is built on ARRI’s older ALEV III sensor platform, while the ALEXA 35 uses the newer ALEV 4 sensor with LogC4 and REVEAL Color Science.
| Feature | ALEXA SXT W | ALEXA 35 |
| Sensor format | Super 35 | Super 35 |
| Open Gate ARRIRAW | 3424 x 2202 | 4608 x 3164 |
| Colour workflow | Log C | LogC4 and REVEAL |
| Wireless tools | Integrated wireless features | Modern ARRI ecosystem support |
| Body weight | About 6.9 kg | About 2.9 kg |
| Best for | Classic ALEXA SXT production | Modern 4.6K Super 35 production |
The ALEXA 35 is newer, lighter and more advanced. The ALEXA SXT W remains valuable for productions that want the classic ALEXA look and integrated wireless tools in a robust studio body.
Key Takeaways
- ARRI ALEXA SXT W was released in 2017.
- It is a Super 35 digital cinema camera.
- The sensor measures about 28.17 x 18.13 mm.
- The camera uses a PL mount with LDS support.
- Base sensitivity is ISO 800.
- The body weighs about 6.9 kg.
- Open Gate ARRIRAW records at 3424 x 2202.
- Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine records at 4096 x 2636.
- The camera supports ARRIRAW and ProRes workflows.
- It includes integrated wireless video, Wi-Fi and lens-control support.
- It is well suited to feature films, commercials, drama and studio production.
- The camera remains important as part of ARRI’s classic Super 35 cinema lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ARRI ALEXA SXT W?
The ARRI ALEXA SXT W is a professional Super 35 digital cinema camera with integrated wireless video, Wi-Fi and lens-control support.
When was the ARRI ALEXA SXT W released?
The camera was released in October 2017.
What sensor does the ALEXA SXT W use?
It uses a Super 35mm sensor measuring about 28.17 x 18.13 mm.
What is the base ISO?
The base sensitivity is ISO 800.
What lens mount does the camera use?
The ALEXA SXT W uses a PL mount with LDS support.
What does the W mean in ALEXA SXT W?
The W refers to wireless features, including integrated wireless video transmission, Wi-Fi and wireless lens-control support.
Does the ALEXA SXT W record ARRIRAW?
Yes. The camera supports ARRIRAW recording, including Open Gate ARRIRAW at 3424 x 2202.
Does the ALEXA SXT W record ProRes?
Yes. The camera supports multiple ProRes formats, including ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ and ProRes 422.
What is Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine?
Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine is a recording mode that captures 4096 x 2636 from the sensor for high-quality 4K cinema workflows.
How heavy is the ARRI ALEXA SXT W?
The camera body weighs about 6.9 kg.
Is the ALEXA SXT W good for anamorphic shooting?
Yes. The camera supports 4:3 and 6:5 recording modes that are useful for anamorphic production.
Who should use the ARRI ALEXA SXT W?
It is best for professional cinematographers, rental houses, studios and production companies working on films, commercials, drama and high-end video projects.
Conclusion
ARRI ALEXA SXT W remains an important Super 35 cinema camera because it combines classic ALEXA image quality with integrated wireless production tools.
Its Open Gate ARRIRAW, ProRes 4K Cine, PL lens compatibility, Log C workflow and strong on-set connectivity made it a serious tool for professional film and television crews.
Although newer ARRI models now offer higher resolutions, lighter bodies and updated colour science, the ALEXA SXT W still represents a powerful era of ARRI cinema technology. For productions that value proven Super 35 imaging and robust studio reliability, it remains a respected camera in the ALEXA family.
Read Also: ARRI ALEXA LF: Specs, Sensor, Recording Modes and Features
